Long Islander Needs Help! (Charlotte, Dallas: insurance, headhunters, lawyers)

[LongIslandLawyer]

Hello all,

My wife and I are in our mid 30's and absolutely love Charlotte! We are so done with living on Long Island and hoped to be able to move to Charlotte at the end of last year for many reasons. I've been an attorney for 10 years, working in Manhattan for some of the biggest law firms in the country.

I've been trying every day to find a job in the Charlotte area. I've sent letters to practically every law firm and insurance company (I work in the insurance field) in the area, applied to open jobs, spoke to headhunters, sought help from all my contacts, etc. I haven't received one good lead. It's been extremely frustrating for us and we are at a loss for what to do next.

If anyone can suggest anything or provide some sort of advice, I'd be eternally grateful.

Thanks so very much.

[dragon_fly_12]

Well, if the traditional means aren't working, what about broadening your search beyond Charlotte. The state's unemployment rate is extremely high, and you're already competing against local competition. Have a plan B?

[WHM1]

For the first time in recent history... all the major law firms in Charlotte has laid off attorneys in the last 18 months... I have several friends in the field and because of the bank melt down all firms have cut back on the number of lawyers they employ. Some of the ones not let go have changed to other specialities to remain employed.

[par4]

Hi, I am also an attorney from NY who has already re-located to the Charlotte area. I came down in early 2007, and did not figure on my license taking 18 months to transfer. As a result, I lost out on 3 job opportunities due to the economic downturn. Since then, legal jobs are few and far between. I have started my own practice - out of sheer necessity. Good luck in your search.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by par4

Hi, I am also an attorney from NY who has already re-located to the Charlotte area. I came down in early 2007, and did not figure on my license taking 18 months to transfer. As a result, I lost out on 3 job opportunities due to the economic downturn. Since then, legal jobs are few and far between. I have started my own practice - out of sheer necessity. Good luck in your search.

Maybe the two of you should team up

I too know of attorneys and paralegals who have been laid off in the last 12 months - it's just tough here across the board right now.

[LongIslandLawyer]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I guess I'll just have to keep trying. If anyone else has any advice, or comments about moving from Long Island, I'd love to hear it. Thanks so much again.

[CR9girl]

Have you looked in Fort Mill, SC or any other nearby area? Or perhaps like mentioned, you could start your own law firm....I know that's easier said than done, good luck to you!

[LongIslandLawyer]

Again my thanks to all who have read this post. I will keep at it.

If anyone ever becomes aware of a Charlotte area firm that needs an attorney, please keep me in mind. I've worked at some of the biggest and most highly regarded law firms in Manhattan, on larage trials such as the World Trade Center trial, and prior to that for a Federal Judge and the General Counsel for the New York Stock Exchange. I'd be most appreciative.

Thank you again.

[LongIslandLawyer]

I'm still trying to find to find work in Charlotte. Can anyone tell me if the legal/insurance market has gotten any better since I last posted or provide any other advice? I still try every day to find a job so we can move, but it seems impossible at times. Thank you again for any assistance or advice.

[westcoastbabe]

To be perfectly blunt "NOPE"...Sorry LongIslandLawyer. but competition here is fierce even for the part time jobs.... Charlotte suffered really hard during the economic meltdown.....Chances are better elsewhere like Dallas, Denver...those places were hit..but not like Charlotte.